Halyna Vasylchenko, a People's Deputy of Ukraine and a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy, has warned that Ukrainians may face a reduction in their salaries starting next year. The reason for this, she said, is the bill on increasing taxes, which is currently awaiting the president's signature.
On the air of the KYIV24 , Vasylchenko explained that this bill provides for an increase in the military levy from 1.5% to 5%. Thus, employees will be forced to pay a larger share of their salary to the state budget, which may lead to a decrease in their net income.
"In fact, the majority's salaries will, on the contrary, decrease if the bill on increasing taxes is signed. We remember that it provides for an increase in the military levy to 5%, and this means that they will have to pay 3.5% more of their salaries to the state budget," Vasylchenko emphasized.
The MP also recalled that more than 15 days ago, the bill was signed by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and submitted for consideration to the Office of the President. Although she opposed this bill and considers it unfair, the majority in the session hall supported the document.
“The president must sign it. I did not support this bill and consider it unfair, but, nevertheless, it was unfortunately supported by the majority in the session hall. Therefore, if we talk about salaries, on the contrary, their reduction is expected,” Vasylchenko added.
This initiative is causing concern among employees in both the public and private sectors, as increasing the tax burden could reduce real wages, which would lead to a decrease in citizens' purchasing power.
